Events That Won't Leave You Hungover, May 27-Jun 2
For once, we stop focussing on alcohol and drinking, but instead take a more productive look at what's going on around Beijing this week. Here is our top pick of events that won't leave you hungover...
Monday, May 27
Ethics as Global Sustainability
Political philosopher Sebastiano Maffettone invites one and all to this talk on reframing the concept of sustainability and what it means on the level of governments and individuals in China. The discussion will focus on how “global sustainability” may in fact be the best way "to heal the tension between the world of public ethics and the world of economics and in essence provide the theoretical bases for mediation in the context of a renewed theory of value." Maffettone will be joined by doctor Wang Jianbao, director of the Center for the Humanities and Business Ethics of the Cheung Kong Graduate School of Business. Free (registration required). 7-9.30pm. Wilderness Coffee, Wudaokou
Tuesday, May 28
Open Studio
All artists, no matter skill level, will want to dust off their easels (or not; they're provided) this Tuesday for That's Mandarin's weekly open studio event. Head over to "paint, draw, and sketch in a casual and supportive atmosphere." This week's model will maintain one pose for the entire session so that you can practice your best life drawing skills, uninterrupted. RMB 150. 10.30am-12.30pm. That's Mandarin
Wednesday, May 29
Storytelling Spoken Word
Wednesday means that it's time to lay your soul bare for the good people of 4corners to see. This week's storytelling event will revolve around "journey abroad" and for your raconteurial efforts, you'll be rewarded a beer for any story that you tell (gift it to someone nearby if you feel a hangover encroaching!). This one should be especially entertaining given that nearly everyone has a China-related horror story they want to get off their chest. Free. 9-11.30pm. 4corners
Thursday, May 30
Lars Vogt Piano Recital
Known for his range and versatility, Lars Vogt has been wowing audiences for the past 20 years with his repertoire of the greats, including everyone from Mozart, Beethoven, and Brahms to Grieg, Tchaikovsky, and Rachmaninov. He appears at the National Centre for Performing Arts on Thursday to play a varied program of works. RMB 50-480. 7.30pm. National Centre For The Performing Arts (NCPA)
Friday, May 31
Master Every Conversation Using Neuroscience
After another successful week of work in the bag, join career and leadership coach Virginie Mangin to learn how you can use neurolinguistic programming – the concept that connection between neurological processes, language, and behavioral patterns learned through experience can be altered to achieve specific goals – to enhance your conversational skills, better frame your conversations, and manage your emotions during disputes. RMB 59, RMB 49 (advance). 6.30-9pm. WeWork
Saturday, Jun 1
"People's Park" Screening
Langyuan Vintage in Guomao screen the 2012 documentary People's Park this Saturday (a still from which is also featured at top). Produced at Harvard's groundbreaking Sensory Ethnography Lab and filmed entirely in one shot in the Sichuan capital of Chengdu, the film captures daily life for many locals who escape to the park to dance, chat, or simply relax with friends and family. If you've been to a southern Chinese park (where the weather tends to be a little more hospitable than in Beijing), you'll know that these loiterers mean business. RMB 40. 2pm. Langyuan Vintage
Sunday, Jun 2
Beijing Highland Games
Whack on your finest tartan this Sunday for the first ever Highland Games, a day packed with the best tug-of-war, log-throwing, and if you're lucky, cheese rolling, you've ever seen. Organized in unison by the bonnie lasses and brawn chaps of the Beijing Scottish Society, Britcham, and AustCham Beijing, there'll be British food and drinks and entertainment fit for all the family, including a best-dressed pet competition for the furrier members among you. RMB 50, RMB 20 (advance). 11.30am-4.30pm. Dongfeng International Sports Park
There are plenty more fun, exciting, and, should you want them, boozy events in our Events section here.
Images: askonasholt.com, Libbie D. Cohn and J.P. Sniadecki, courtesy of the organizers
